Daikanyama Tsutaya

During our vacation, Yoko and I went to Tsutaya in Daikanyama. Tsutaya is chain store that began in Osaka selling and renting movies, books, and music. It is now nationwide, and with its yellow and blue color motif, it reminds me of Blockbuster Video. Tsutaya caters to younger people and in 2011 the company decided to create a store that was more mature and aimed towards adults.

Known as T-site, the store's concept is "a library in the woods." And it does that extremely well. T-site is made up of three buildings connected by Magazine Street, a 55 meter walkway that runs through all three buildings. Several satellite buildings surround Tsutaya, including a pet services shop, an import children's store, a shop with battery-assisted bicycles, a camera store, and a restaurant.

Each main building houses its own specialty section, like music, movies, travel books, architecture books, and so on. The facade of the stores has a "T" motif which is quite modern looking and beautiful. The bookstore was the only one from Japan that was mentioned in Flavorwire's 20 Most Beautiful Bookstores In The World.

The atmosphere was so different. It was like moving from Wal-Mart's book section to a Barnes & Noble. Most of the interiors were rich dark wood, lots of tables to sit and read at, and the surroundings were so peaceful. Most of the windows looked out onto the surrounding trees and lawns, adding to the "woods" feeling.

It was a wonderful place. I didn't take any pictures, so enjoy these taken from the official website.